Does a one-person management company need a firm license?

The statute's definition of a management firm includes a sole proprietorship (§ 468.431(3)), and the firm-license requirement in § 468.432(2) applies to any firm or similar organization over the threshold. Read together, a solo manager who runs a management business over the threshold needs both a CAM license and a firm license.

When does a Florida management firm license expire?

Firm licenses expire on September 30 of odd-numbered years and renew every two years with the renewal fee (§ 468.432(2)(d)). Individual CAM licenses run on a different cycle; DBPR lists them as expiring September 30 of even-numbered years.

What happens to the firm license if its licensed manager leaves?

If the license of at least one individual active community association manager member is not in force, the firm's license is canceled automatically during that time (§ 468.432(2)(f)).

Can a licensed firm use unlicensed employees?

Not to provide management services. By being licensed, a firm agrees to employ only licensed persons in the direct provision of community association management services (§ 468.432(2)(g)). Clerical or ministerial staff working under a licensed manager's direct supervision are outside the definition of management (§ 468.431(2)).

Florida statute reference · F.S. § 468.432

Florida CAM firm license: when a management company needs one

A management company, or any similar organization, responsible for managing more than 10 units or a budget of $100,000 or greater must hold its own community association management firm license from DBPR, in addition to the individual CAM licenses of the people who do the work (Fla. Stat. § 468.432(2)). DBPR lists this firm license type as CAB.

Last verified October 4, 2026 against the 2026 Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code Rule Chapter 61E14. Reviewed by the Common Elements editorial team, which includes a Florida-licensed community association manager (LCAM) and insurance broker.

The requirement

A community association management firm or other similar organization responsible for the management of more than 10 units or a budget of $100,000 or greater shall not engage or hold itself out to the public as being able to engage in the business of community association management in this state unless it is licensed by the department as a community association management firm in accordance with the provisions of this part.

Fla. Stat. § 468.432(2)

A “community association management firm” is “a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust, association, sole proprietorship, or other similar organization engaging in the business of community association management” (§ 468.431(3)). Note the threshold wording: the firm test is a budget of $100,000 “or greater,” while the individual test in § 468.431(2) is a budget “in excess of” $100,000.

What a licensed firm must do

Apply on DBPR's form with the application and licensure fees set under § 468.435, and be actively registered and authorized to do business in Florida (§ 468.432(2)(a)).
Designate a licensed community association manager who must respond to all inquiries from and investigations by the department (§ 468.432(2)(b)).
Notify DBPR within 30 days after any change to the information in its application (§ 468.432(2)(c)).
Renew every two years; firm licenses expire September 30 of odd-numbered years (§ 468.432(2)(d)).
Keep at least one individual active CAM member licensed, or the firm license is canceled automatically for that time (§ 468.432(2)(f)).
Employ only licensed persons in the direct provision of management services (§ 468.432(2)(g)).
Keep an online licensure account with DBPR that lists the community association managers it employs (§ 468.432(3)).

Revoked managers and firm ownership

A person whose CAM license has been revoked may not, for 10 years after the revocation takes effect, hold a direct or indirect ownership interest in a management firm or serve as its employee, partner, officer, director or trustee, and is “ineligible to reapply for certification or registration under this part” for the same 10 years (§ 468.432(2)(h)).

What boards can check

Each manager's online licensure account must name the firm they work for and each association where they are the designated onsite manager, updated within 30 days of a change (§ 468.432(3)). If a manager's license is suspended or revoked, DBPR must notify both the firm and each association the manager serves. Practice standards for managers and firms, including returning records within 20 business days after a contract ends, are in § 468.4334; conflict-of-interest disclosure rules are in § 468.4335.

Common questions

What is a CAB license in Florida?: CAB is DBPR's license type for a community association management firm. Under Fla. Stat. § 468.432(2), a firm or similar organization responsible for managing more than 10 units or a budget of $100,000 or greater must hold this firm license to engage in, or advertise, the business of community association management. Individual managers hold a separate CAM license.
Does a one-person management company need a firm license?: The statute's definition of a management firm includes a sole proprietorship (§ 468.431(3)), and the firm-license requirement in § 468.432(2) applies to any firm or similar organization over the threshold. Read together, a solo manager who runs a management business over the threshold needs both a CAM license and a firm license.
When does a Florida management firm license expire?: Firm licenses expire on September 30 of odd-numbered years and renew every two years with the renewal fee (§ 468.432(2)(d)). Individual CAM licenses run on a different cycle; DBPR lists them as expiring September 30 of even-numbered years.
What happens to the firm license if its licensed manager leaves?: If the license of at least one individual active community association manager member is not in force, the firm's license is canceled automatically during that time (§ 468.432(2)(f)).
Can a licensed firm use unlicensed employees?: Not to provide management services. By being licensed, a firm agrees to employ only licensed persons in the direct provision of community association management services (§ 468.432(2)(g)). Clerical or ministerial staff working under a licensed manager's direct supervision are outside the definition of management (§ 468.431(2)).

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